From Adelaide to the stage at the OAKA, the career of Greek Australian guitarist Orianthi (Penny Panagaris) is marked by significant collaborations, international accolades and memorable moments in rock music.
On Saturday 26 September, Orianthi will be in Athens, taking part in Anna Vissi’s grand concert at the OAKA, in a special musical event that holds particular significance for the Greek community in Australia.
She has made no secret of her excitement about her upcoming performance, writing in a social media post:
“Omg yay !!!! This will be EPIC !!! Joining the incredible Anna Vissi at the Olympic stadium in GREECE !!sold out !! Can’t wait!!!”
For Greeks in Australia, Orianthi’s visit to Athens holds special symbolic significance.
An artist of Greek descent, born in Australia, she returns to Greece having already carved out a distinctive place for herself on the international music scene.
From the piano to the electric guitar
Orianthi was born in Adelaide to Greek parents, and her relationship with music began at a very young age.
At the age of three she began playing the piano, whilst at six she turned to the guitar, at her father’s urging. At 11, she got her first electric guitar and at 15 she began writing her own songs, having already taken her first professional steps.
It wasn’t long before her talent became known outside Australia too. As a teenager, she found herself performing on stage with the great guitarist Steve Vai, whilst at the age of 18 she had the opportunity to meet and play alongside guitar legend Carlos Santana.
The big break with Michael Jackson
One of the most significant moments in her career came in 2009, when she was chosen by Michael Jackson to be his guitarist during rehearsals for his ‘This Is It’ concerts.
Michael Jackson had seen her work and was impressed by her skills. Orianthi took part in the rehearsals for the concerts that were due to take place in London, but Jackson’s sudden death led to their cancellation.
Their collaboration, however, went down in history. Orianthi appeared in the film *Michael Jackson’s This Is It*, and later played the guitar and sang at the great artist’s funeral.
She has spoken movingly on many occasions about meeting and working with Michael Jackson, emphasising just how significant it was for her artistic career.
Alongside some of the biggest names
Orianthi’s international career continued with collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.
In 2011, she was announced as Alice Cooper’s guitarist, and subsequently collaborated with, amongst others, Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora, Michael Bolton, Dave Stewart and Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top.
At the same time, she has released her own albums and has established herself as one of the most recognisable female guitarists on the contemporary rock scene.
From Australia to Greece
Now, Orianthi is returning to Greece to take to the stage at the OAKA alongside Anna Vissi.
For the Greek community in Australia, this moment holds special significance. Orianthi’s journey, from a Greek family in Adelaide to the world’s biggest stages, is yet another success story of the Greek diaspora.
And on Saturday evening, under the lights of the OAKA, the Greek Australian musician will have the opportunity to perform in Greece in front of a huge audience.
